In light of recent events, we’ve collectively witnessed a shift in terms of the awareness brought towards particular societal issues, systemic issues of racial injustice and police brutality stark reminders of a broken system in need of reform.
Courtesy of Paul Kolnik.
Choreographed by Alvin Ailey Dance Theater‘s Resident Choreographer and company member Jamar Roberts, Ode highlights the power of community and how a traumatic event can cause devastating lasting effects for the collective. A poetic tribute to victims of gun violence, Roberts’ work embodies grace and strength, with angular sustained poses intent on encapsulating the quiet complexity of life. There’s an elemental feel embodying earthly, air and water-like qualities giving the production soul. The production’s running theme of brotherhood is the underlying life force serving as a reminder as to how imperative connections are, solo work halfway through the sequence fragmenting the peaceful dynamic and highlighting the cast’s endearing synchronicity prior to this. Performed to Don Pullen’s Suite (Sweet) Malcolm (Part 1 Memories and Gunshots, both composition and cast are responsive to one another, the composition taking on a life of it’s own. Ode is subtle yet magnetic, a poignant piece in the current climate we find ourselves living in.
Review written by Lucy Basaba.
Ode is available to watch here…
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